Haines City Nowl| Issue 23-157 |September 15, 2023 | |
James R. Elensky
City Manager
863-421-3650
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Richard H. Sloan
Deputy City Manager
863-421-3650
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Loyd Stewart
Deputy City Manager
863-421-3650
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Auburn Taylor
Assistant City Manager
863-421-3650
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James Keene
Public Services Administrator
863-421-9954
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Merissa Green
Communications & Marketing Manager
863-421-3600, ext. 5149
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Margie Wells
Senior Executive Assistant
863-421-5560
[email protected]
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Click HERE for an application
for the Citizens Academy
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City Department Phone Numbers
Below is a list of all department contact numbers:
- City Clerk's Office – (863) 421-9921
- City Manager's Office – (863) 421-3650
- Code Compliance - (863) 421-9937
- CRA - (863) 421-5577
- Development Services – (863) 419-3229
- Finance – (863) 421-3600
- Fire Department – (863) 421-3611
- Human Resources – (863) 421-9927
- Library - (863) 421-3633
- Parks & Recreation – (863) 421-3700
- Permitting – (863) 421-5571
- Police Department – (863) 421-3636
- Public Works – (863) 421-3777
- Technology Management – (863) 419-3520
- Utilities – (863) 421-3695
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monthly news from the City Manager
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Connecting to the City Social Media Pages
Want updates about YOUR City?
Road closures, special events, reminders for upcoming meetings?
Haines City is moving FORWARD.
Be part of the journey and get connected!
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City Clerk Sharon Lauther has earned the designation of Master Municipal Clerk (MMC), which is awarded by the International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC). IIMC grants the MMC designation only to municipal clerks who complete demanding education requirements; and have a record of significant contributions to their local government, community, and state.
The International Institute of Municipal Clerks, founded in 1947, has 14,000 members throughout the United States, Canada, and 15 other countries, and the mission of this global non-profit corporation is to enhance the educational opportunities and professional development of its diverse membership.
"Your city can take immense pride in Sharon’s educational accomplishments and achievement of this milestone," said Mary Ann Hess, MMC and IIMC President. "On behalf of the IIMC Board of Directors, I am honored to endorse the conferring of MMC to Sharon Lauther, MMC of the City of Haines City. We share your pride in this achievement, and we applaud your support of the role Sharon plays in your city."
Congratulations City Clerk Lauther for all of your hard work earning this distinguished designation!
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Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) | |
Jane Adams Murphy
CRA Manager
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CRA Office Locations & Contact Information
- Offices Located at 303 Ledwith Avenue and 915 Avenue E; Haines City
- Office Hours are Monday through Friday, excluding advertised and recognized holidays, from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Special programs, workshops, activity times, and dates are advertised accordingly.
- Contact Telephone Number: 863-421-5577
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General Office Email: [email protected]
863-421-5572, CRA Manager, Jane Adams Murphy
Email: [email protected]
863-421-9938, Business & Community Redevelopment Officer, Lekia Johnson
Email: [email protected]
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Programs and Opportunities
READY! Monthly Workshops: An interactive experience at every workshop! Topics include business planning, marketing, finance, budgets, and more!
SET! Business Coach & Mentors: Participants in each session will have access to an individual mentor. Business coaching is available by appointment.
ALL SYSTEMS Go! Bring your ideas and start-up business and join a group of entrepreneurs for a six-week program designed to help guide you and create a successful business plan.
Roofing Grants
The Community Redevelopment Agency is accepting applications for Roofing Grants
Interested residents that live within the CRA district may be eligible to receive needed assistance with a roof replacement. To obtain information regarding income eligibility requirements, residents can contact 863-421-5577 or email [email protected] for more details.
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Non-Profits, Education, Charitable and Health Organizations
Please feel free to send information you would like highlighted to our citizens and staff members to Margie Wells [email protected]. Upon review and approval by our City Manager, we will list your information (flyers, links, etc.) under our "Community Information and Events" section which is sent out on the 15th of each month. Please ensure your event is within the timeframe of the monthly e-mail or in advance of an upcoming month.
Deadline for submissions is the 8th of each month.
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Community Information and Events | |
Below are several valuable links for assistance to our citizens and business partners:
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Stay Informed On What's Going on
in the Business Community
The Haines City Area Chamber of Commerce is an excellent way to promote your business and showcase your services. Click on the link below to keep up-to-date on all the wonderful things your Chamber is doing to promote businesses in and around Haines City and contact them to become a member!
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Become a part of Haines City
Welcome to the best location to open, expand, or relocate your business
We exist to create and sustain a prosperous and diverse business community. In concert with government, investors, educational, and economic development partners; the mission of the EDC is to build a diverse economy. This mission will be achieved by initiating business investment and trade, and by leading the city’s efforts, thereby positioning Haines City as an excellent business location. Click here for detailed information on what the Haines City Economic Development Council can do for you www.hainescityedc.com
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Peace River Center Launches Behavioral Health Navigation Program
to Help Polk Residents Navigate the Care System
Peace River Center (PRC), a licensed and nationally accredited, non-profit regional provider of behavioral health care, recently launched Behavioral Health Navigation, a program designed to improve public access to and knowledge of mental health and substance use disorder treatment services available in Polk County.
Please click HERE for the full press release. | |
Public Transit in Polk County offers a Travel Training program to familiarize individuals with their transportation services; a TD program - a Transportation Disadvantaged program to assist individuals who lack transportation due to disability, income, age or being an at risk child, and an ADA program available for persons with disabilities who are unable to ride the fixed route buses. Forms and applications available at the Chamber office or download: Travel Training app . Travel Training overview TD App. TD Overview. ADA App.
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New Direction Academy - An accredited private school for grades K–12, students benefit from: Individualized Learning Plans; Outlining Academic Goals; Dedicated Teachers Trained to Teach; Rolling Start Dates Every Semester; Accredited by FDOE and AdvancED; Full Scholarship Opportunities. More Info click here.
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Ambassadors Christian Academy is a 501c3 in need of laptops and tablets. If you are able to help please contact Pastor Eryk Anglin at 863-852-4031.
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In partnership with the George Jenkins Foundation Ending Hunger Initiative and The United Way of Central Florida, Central Florida Health Care is proud to announce a FREE food distribution for the families of Polk county . No qualifications necessary, each family* will receive a week's worth of free food that will feed a family of four. Click HERE for a calendar including all dates, or you can visit the Resources page on the CFHC website to access the calendar. Feel free to contact 863-216-2816 for more information. *Available on a first-come, first-serve basis, while supplies last.
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Parkview Housing Food Pantry needs donations - Ravioli (all types), spaghetti and meatballs, Mac and Cheese (bowls), Vienna sausage, peanut butter, sandwich crackers, fruit cups, Jello, breakfast bars, juices (packs/pouches). Donations can be dropped off at the Chamber office during normal business hours.
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The Haines City Community Theatre has recently announced its 2022-2023 season of plays. They are currently looking for businesses or individuals that would be willing to purchase a business ad. The theatre operates as a nonprofit organization and as such, donations are tax deductible. Click HERE for more info.
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From UF/IFAS Extension Polk County - UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Family and Consumer Sciences offers a variety of food and nutrition classes! Click the link: www.PolkFCS.eventbrite.com Click the link for gardening and landscaping classes. www.polkgardening.eventbrite.com | |
East Area Adult School has GED and ESOL Classes, in person and online. Click HERE for a list of classes and locations.
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Hands of Hope America - 4 Corners Resource Center & Food Pantry - Assistance for those with food insecurity & resources for those in need within the Four Corners of Lake, Polk, Osceola & Orange County. 9230 Hwy. 192, Clermont, FL 34714 - 352-432-3353 - Monday - Wednesday, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Click HERE for the flyer.
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Aquatics, Special Events, Athletics, Library, Recreation, Parks | |
Terrell Griffin
Parks & Recreation Director
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Thank you!
When I think about our role as Parks and Recreation professionals, the first thing that comes to mind is “Impact”.
Each day we have the ability to impact the lives of the individuals that we encounter, whether its one of our teammates, a patron visiting one of the community centers, or even individuals that we come across while out in the field.
I simply wanted to take a moment to say thank you, to the 100+ Parks and Recreation staff members (fulltime, part-time and seasonal), that contribute to the daily operations of our team. Each of you are a vital piece of the puzzle that comprises the Parks and Recreation Department.
We had a very busy summer……..This summer our Recreation team hosted 120+ participants in our summer camp program. Our Aquatics team hosted over 500+ participants in our swim lesson programs. Approximately 30,000 guests walked through the gates at the Lake Eva Aquatic Center and Janet J. Smith Aquatic Facility. Our library team provide a host of programs and activities for both youth and adults. Our Parks team endured record breaking temperatures while maintaining our facilities, ball fields and right-of-way’s. Our Tennis Pro conducted lesson after lesson in the sweltering heat. Our FMD staff spent countless hours performing maintenance on the many HVAC units throughout the city’s inventory to ensure that staff has a comfortable atmosphere to perform their duties. Summer time brings more visitors to our facilities, which means increased cleaning and sanitation efforts by our custodial team. Our Event Center team has seen an increase in rentals, requiring them to work late hours and they continue to provide superior customer service. Lastly, our special events team hosted several events including our largest event of the year, Thunder on the Ridge.
At times we may miss the mark, but I can assure you it’s not because of lack of effort. I am extremely grateful and blessed to be afforded the opportunity to lead such a dynamic group of individuals, who are dedicated to ensuring we afford the citizens and visitors of Haines City a rewarding and fulfilling quality of life experience.
Again, THANK YOU for your dedication, hard work, and determination as we continue to serve the great citizens and visitors of Haines City.
Terrell Griffin
Parks and Recreation Director
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The Lake Eva Aquatic Center and the Janet J. Smith Aquatic Facility have now closed for open swim for the 2023 season. While in operation from May – September, 39,500+ guest have visited our facilities.
Our Aquatic facilities are staffed with 27 seasonal employees, 5 Head Lifeguards and 22 Lifeguards. The dedication each staff member gives to our patrons, providing a fun and safe environment is greatly appreciated by many.
In addition to our daily open swim operations from the hours of 12:00-6:00 p.m. our Aquatics team is providing lifesaving skills to our local communities by teaching swim lessons to over 650+ registered individuals from ages 6 months to adults. I would like to take this opportunity to share a message from one of our participants parents:
“I am writing you to express my sincere appreciation for G (employee). Since the first day of swimming lessons for my daughter he has been so patient, encouraging, kind, and knowledgeable with her. My husband and I are so grateful for him and his dedication as an instructor”.
Senior Swim
Senior Swim is another popular activity, held Mondays at the Janet J. Smith Aquatic Facility and Wednesdays and Thursdays at the Lake Eva Aquatic Center from 10AM – 11:30AM. This program has reached 120 registered participants and has been our fastest growing offering. Senior Swim will continue to run until the end of September.
Haines City Tritons
The Haines City Tritons swim team will be hosting their annual swim meet, The Heart of Florida Invitational. This swim meet will feature our home swim team the mighty Tritons and will have 8-10 other swim teams from around the Central Florida areas. Held on Saturday, September 23 this is a free event and will be at the Lake Eva Aquatic Center from 9:00 a.m. – TBD.
Dog Days of Summer
Lastly, we will be holding our first ever Dog Days of Summer Saturday, September 30 from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at the Lake Eva Aquatic Center. We will have pet adoptions with The Humane Society of Polk County Inc. as well as some fun doggy freebies *while supplies last. Admission is $3 per dog and dogs will get to play in the kiddie pool and splash pad area of Lake Eva Aquatic Center.
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Athletics
Click on this link to see the
Parks & Recreation Athletics Information:
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Recreation, Seniors, Wellness
Click on this link (and scroll down to
"City Calendar) to review the
entire calendar of events for
Recreation, Wellness and Senior Events:
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Indoor Soccer & Futsal | Summer 2023
The Haines City Parks & Recreation Summer Indoor Soccer & Futsal Program has a total of 223 participants this year and they are having a blast! Look out for next year’s soccer league opportunities to register your child!
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Taylored Athletes | Summer Camps 2023
Haines City Parks & Recreation partnered with Taylored Athletes to host three (3) basketball camps this summer.
Camp activities included:
*Ball handling
*Shooting form & technique
*Fundamental & advanced dribbling drills
*Individual & team defense
*Guest speakers & professional staff
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Youth Summer Volleyball Camps | Summer 2023
Haines City Parks & Recreation hosted Summer 2023 Youth Volleyball Camps with over 40 participants! We want to equip youth with a good foundation of skills while having FUN in our programs!
Fall Girls Volleyball League
We want to equip program players with a good foundation of skills while having FUN in our programs! For the Fall Season, we have 125 participants registered for the program! That is 125 youth who are involved in a positive, active sport that encourages growth, teamwork, community, and play!!
YOUTH VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Looking for community service hours for High School? Or just wanting to get more involved with the community? We're looking for volunteers to help on game days to assist with scoreboard and setting/cleaning up.
VOLUNTEER COACHES NEEDED!
Coaches receive FREE REGISTRATION for their kid(s). If interested, contact the Athletic Coordinator [email protected]
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Be on the LOOKOUT for these fun programs:
- Youth Basketball (Registration beginning October 2023 – Season starting beginning of January 2024)
More information to be released later in the summer!
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REC ON THE MOVE | SUMMER 2023
We had a blast with everyone who came out to our Rec on the Move | Splash Bash events this summer! It was a great time of connecting, playing, and cooling off during the summer! Families enjoyed fun, pizza, and each other!
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Oil Painting for Kids Classes
During Summer 2023, the Oil Painting for Kids Instructor, Peggy, held classes at the Lake Eva Community Center. Participants completed a new painting weekly!
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Oil Painting Classes
Join these Oil Painting Classes to have fun while learning techniques in fine art, traditional oils! This ongoing class gives participants the opportunity to complete beautiful and unique paintings! All skill levels are welcome! Monday classes work on a different painting than Tuesday classes. Each painting could take 2-3 class sessions.
Monday classes are 1:00-3:00 p.m. Tuesday classes are 4:30-6:30 p.m. Classes are held at the Lake Eva Community Center Art Room. For ages 18+ Cost is $25 per class plus the $10 Annual Parks and Recreation Fee (once per year fee, plus tax).
Participants must contact and sign up in advance with the Oil Painting Instructors to participate at 863-289-4047 or [email protected].
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Xtreme Hip Hop with Carla Fitness Classes
This is a step aerobics class! This program is held to help participants be active, gain energy, lose weight, and build a community to support and motivate! Classes are Tuesdays at the Lake Eva Community Center and Thursdays at the Oakland Auditorium from 6:00-7:30 p.m. The cost is $10 per class or a discounted monthly rate. Interested in joining? Reach out to Haines City Parks & Recreation at 863-421-3700.
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Zumba® With Puchunga
Zumba® GOLD (FOR SENIORS)
Perfect for all the active & non-active senior adults!!! The design of Zumba® Gold class introduces easy-to-follow Zumba® choreography that focuses on cardiovascular, balance, flexibility, range of motion and coordination. Come ready to sweat, have fun and prepare to leave empowered and feeling strong. Let’s Go!!!
LAKE EVA COMMUNITY CENTER
STARTING OCTOBER 1ST, 2023 – 45 MIN CLASS ZUMBA GOLD
- Tuesdays & Thursdays: 8:30-9:15 a.m.
Program Fees:
Haines City Parks & Rec. Annual Membership
- Free for participants 65 years old and older
- $10 + tax (if participant is under 65 years old)
- $7 Per Session (session duration: 45 min)
or
- $30 Monthly (access to all Zumba® Gold sessions)
Zumba®
Perfect for you, for everyone & everybody!!! The Zumba® class is a party fitness designed to bring people together to sweat it on, and have fun by mixing low-intensity and high-intensity moves for an interval-style & calorie-burning. Total workout, combining all elements of fitness – cardio, muscle conditioning, balance and flexibility, also boosted energy. Are you ready???
LAKE EVA COMMUNITY CENTER
Friday Classes: 6:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Program’s Fees:
- Haines City Parks & Rec. Annual Membership ($10+tax)
- $5 Per Session (session duration: 30 min)
Stay up to date by following Haines City Parks & Recreation’s Facebook Page!
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Walking for Health & Fitness
Stop by the Oakland Basketball Gym during these warm summer days, Monday-Friday, 8:00-9:00 a.m. to get a good walk in inside and out of the heat! Reach out to the Haines City Parks & Recreation Oakland Neighborhood Center office at 863-421-3720 for more information.
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Risk Club Independent Life Skills
Risk Club Independent Living will teach participants practical life skills. Participants also have the ability to attend college tours, business tours, and other benefiting trips! This program has started back meeting September 8th! Reach out to the Haines City Parks & Recreation Oakland Neighborhood Center office at 863-421-3720 for more information.
Girls Scouts at the Oakland Neighborhood Center
Girl Scouts participants will learn Girl Scouts traditions, financial literacy, leadership skills, outdoor skills, community service, and STEM skills. This group meets Wednesday evenings at the Oakland Neighborhood Center from 5:30-7:30 p.m. This program is free of cost. Reach out to Program Leader Bonnie Soto for more information: [email protected].
Karate
The Haines City Karate Do practices the art of Okinawa Shorin Ryu. While in class, participants will learn traditional kata forms that develop your agility, strength, and self-discipline. Participants will practice self-defense moves that may be beneficial outside the classroom. Throughout the year, the Karate Class students will attend and compete in local martial arts completions.
Key benefits for practicing martial arts:
• Strengthen your mind
• Improves coordination and reflexes
• Build self-confidence while practicing self-control
• Instills values of hard work, dedication, respect
STARTING OCTOBER 1, 2023 - Karate classes take place Monday and Thursday from 5:45-7:45 p.m. at the Lake Eva Community Center. Come talk to the instructor at a class before registering!
Interested in teaching a class? Contact Cultural Arts Coordinator Melissa Viana at [email protected] to see how you can use your passions and skills to give back to your community!
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Ceramics
In Ceramics Class, participants can choose their own piece of artwork to paint and fire in the kiln! With a variety of pieces to choose from, the finished artworks make great gifts for yourself and others! For ages 18+. All skills levels are welcome!
- When: Tuesdays and Fridays | 8:30-11:30 a.m.
- Where: Lake Eva Community Center, Art Room
- Who: Ages 18+
- Cost: $2.00 per class + $10 Annual Parks and Recreation Fee (once per year fee, plus tax) + Art piece
If you are interested in attending a class, please call the Lake Eva Community center at 863-421-3700 to reserve your place.
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Free Bingo!
Every 1st Friday of the month, at 3PM, Palm Medical Centers will host FREE BINGO at the Oakland Neighborhood Center (915 Avenue E, Haines City, FL 33844). Prizes will be awarded to the Bingo Winners! This pop-up event is focused toward Medicare recipients and all are welcome!
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UPCOMING PROGRAMS
Pilates on Mat
Pilates focuses on muscle toning, body control, and flexibility. It is proven, if done on a regular basis, Pilates elongates and strengthens which improved muscle elasticity and joint mobility.
All one needs to bring to class is a mat and band. Be ready to find muscles you didn't know you had and to have fun!! It truly is an uplifting, energy boosting exercise. Hope to see you all on the mat soon.
Ages 16 and up.
Days, Time & Location : TBA
Jewelry Making
The jewelry making instructor, Margaret, is happy to share how to put on various clasps, tie knots, open and close wire, learn how to play with wire and understand how to use the different findings. Bring out your creative side! Margaret will be happy to help you! You can take this learning with you and hopefully learn to create pieces on your own!
It is all up to you and what you want from the experience. Come join in for fun with beads!
If you have any tools such as needle nose pliers, long nose pliers, crimp bead crimper, wire cutter, scissor please bring with you. The instructor will have supplies as well.
Days, Time & Location : TBA
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Looking for Program Instructors
Do you know anyone who is passionate about their hobby, craft, or wellness? We are looking to add more Haines City Parks & Recreation Program Instructors to the team! Reach out to Cultural Arts Coordinator Melissa Viana at [email protected] or by phone at 863-421-3700 about ways you can get more involved with giving back to the community!
Haines City Parks & Recreation Fitness Centers
The Parks & Recreation Department invites you to utilize the Haines City Parks & Recreation Fitness Centers! Why not start implementing more healthy habits as avenues of movement and well-being? The Oakland Neighborhood Center and Lake Eva Community Center Fitness Centers are open 8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m., Monday-Friday. Grab a friend to join you! You can also get outside, breathe in the fresh air, put on your walking shoes, and utilize the Haines City walking trails throughout the city! You can use your walking time to listen to that podcast or book you have been meaning to catch up on.
Stay up to date with recreation programs and events by visiting the Haines City Parks & Recreation Facebook and Instagram Pages, also by visiting or calling our Haines City Parks & Recreation Offices:
- Oakland Neighborhood Center: 863-421-3720
- Lake Eva Community Center: 863-421-3700
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Mayor’s 5K
Mayor Roy Tyler cordially invites you to participate in the Mayor's 5K, benefitting American Cancer Society on Saturday, October 14, 2023. The 1st place finishers will receive a trophy. All participants will receive a t-shirt. *T-Shirts handed out at the event are only guaranteed for anyone who registers prior to September 29th, all others will be available for pick up once the shirts arrive. Online registration is available online via Community Pass until 12:00 p.m. on October 13, 2023. Day of registration will be available prior to the start of the race.
https://register.capturepoint.com/.../cat_program_list...
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Trunk or Treat
Haines City and Miracle Toyota invites you to our spooktacular Halloween event on October 28, 2023 from 8:30–11 a.m.. Dress up in your Halloween costume and come out to Lake Eva Park to trick or treat and check out all kinds of vehicles, including construction equipment, emergency vehicles, public transportation vehicles, tow trucks, & much more!
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Are you or your business interested in holding a special event at one of our parks or facilities? There is special event application that you will need to fill out and return to Parks and Recreation staff. Please contact [email protected] to receive the application or if you have any questions.
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Click on this link (and scroll down to
"City Calendar) to review Other Upcoming
Special Events:
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Haines City Public Library | |
Important Library Information | |
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Operation hours are as follows:
The library is currently open to the public and available for all services. Operational hours are from Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.; Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Stay Connected With All Our Upcoming Library Events!
Want to know what is going on at the Haines City Public Library? Check out our Facebook page and get the scoop. You can also see what's going on at the Library by viewing our calendar for adults and children!
What are the Library Staff Reading?
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Click on this link to review the
entire calendar of events for the Library:
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Programs for Preschoolers (ages up to 5)
Preschool Story Time
Wednesdays 10:30 a.m. & 11:30 a.m. | Limit 45 people per story time.
Story time for ages 3-5
Enjoy stories, singing, puppet shows, & crafts.
Baby LapSit Time
Tuesdays | 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Storytime for Babies
Babies snuggle in their caregivers lap while interacting together with stories and songs. Followed by baby interaction time with baby toys.
Toddler Time
Thursdays | 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Preschoolers can enjoy some hands-on experiences with toddler friendly activities, games, and puzzles.
Programs for School Ages
Bilingual Family Time – Ages 0-12
Saturdays | 11:00 a.m.
Family games and bilingual songs, rhymes, crafts and stories.
Juegos para toda la familia, canciones bilingues, manualidades y cuentos bilingues.
Kids Game Night
Every Other Tuesday | 4:00-5:30 p.m. | 9/26/2023
Ages 5 - 12 Enjoy a fun night of games including board games, Nintendo Switch and Minecraft.
Lego Bricks Club
Every other Tuesday | 4:00–5:30 p.m. | Ages 5 - 12 | 9/19/2023
Kids can unleash their imaginations and build fantastic creations in our Lego Bricks Club. All creations will be put on display in our Lego Case for all to enjoy.
Teen Game Night
Wednesdays | 4:00-5:30 p.m. | Ages 13 – 18
Join us for a fun night of board games, Nintendo Switch, Animal Crossing and Xbox. Snacks will be provided.
Pokemon Go In The Park
Saturday 9/16/2023 | 12:00-3:00 p.m.
Trainers of all ages are invited to join the Haines City Public Library at Lake Eva Park for an afternoon of collecting, raiding, and fun!
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Adult Programs
- WhoDunIts Mystery Book Club – in the Community Room (contact for dates)
- Literati Book Club – 9/21/2023 at 2:00 p.m. in the Community Room.
- Creative Circle Needlework Group – Mondays and Thursdays 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Bring your current project or learn something new with our skilled crafters.
- T.O.P.S – Thursdays 8:00-10:00 a.m.
- Pigments of your Imagination (Coloring for Adults) – Tuesdays 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Growing and Cooking with Herbs & Spices with Andrea Nikolai
Friday, September 29, 2023
12:00-1:00 p.m.
Reserve you spot on Eventbrite.com
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Polk County Library News
Polk County Public Schools, the Lake Wales Charter Schools, and the Polk County Library Cooperative have partnered to provide free access to library materials and online resources for Polk County students!
PLUS Resources
In addition to the resources students receive from their school media centers, PLUS provides students with FREE year-round access to public library resources including:
BOOKS
Borrow up to 3 books from all 15 public libraries in Polk County, and the PCLC Bookmobile, Vending Library at the Outpost 27 Visitor's Center in Davenport or use home delivery through Books by Mail.
TECHNOLOGY
Create presentation, conduct research and type papers using public library computers. WiFi Internet, printing and scanning services are available at public libraries.
DIGITAL LIBRARY
Enjoy digital titles in books, audiobooks, music, magazines, movies and television. (For access to even more digital libraries, have your parent or guardian take out a standard PCLC library card for you!)
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Internet Information and Citizen Assistance
Ancestry.com® is a website that brings together science and self-discovery to help anyone find their story. Bringing together science and self-discovery, Ancestry.com helps everyone, everywhere discover the story of what led to them. Our sophisticated engineering and technology harnesses family history and consumer genomics, combining billions of rich historical records, millions of family trees, and samples more than 7 million people in the AncestryDNA database to provide people with deeply meaningful insights about who they are and where they come from. Access to Ancestry.com is available to our patrons through the computers at the Haines City Public Library.
ProQuest® African American Heritage is a groundbreaking digital resource exclusively devoted to African American family history research. ProQuest is committed to empowering researchers and librarians around the world. Its innovative information content and technologies increase the productivity of students, scholars, professionals and the libraries that serve them. Through partnerships with content holders, ProQuest preserves rich, vast and varied information – whether historical archives or today’s scientific breakthroughs – and packages it with digital technologies that enhance its discovery, sharing and management. For academic, corporate, government, school and public libraries, as well as professional researchers, ProQuest provides services that enable strategic acquisition, management and discovery of information collections. ProQuest is available to our patrons through the computers at the Haines City Public Library.
The Emergency Home Energy Assistance for the Elderly Program (EHEAP) assists low-income households, with at least one person age 60 and older, when the households are experiencing a home energy emergency. A home energy emergency may result from a delinquent utility bill, lack of fuel or wood, or the receipt of a shut off notice. Payments are for home heating or cooling and other emergency energy-related costs during the heating (October-March) and cooling (April-September) seasons. Eligible households may be provided one benefit per season, up to $600 per season. Payments are made directly to the vendor or by a two-party check to the vendor and client for electricity, natural gas, propane, fuel oil, kerosene, or wood.
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Richard Greenwood
Development Services Director
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Permitting Process - City of Haines City
When are Building Permits Required?
Building permits are required to construct, enlarge, repair, move, demolish, or change building occupancy or occupant content. The permit could be issued to build commercial, institutional, religious, single-family, multi-family, or mobile home placement purposes. Permits are also required for electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and gas work.
The City of Haines City and the State of Florida make the requirements, in compliance with the Haines City Land Development Regulations, Florida 2020 Building Codes, and the 2017 National Electric Code.
The requirements are to ensure all buildings are constructed with public safety, health, and the general welfare in mind through structural strength, stability, sanitation, adequate light and ventilation, and safety to life and property from fire and other hazards attributed to the built environment.
During the permitting process, other agencies may need to be contacted regarding specific elements of building permits, including but not limited to the local Florida Water Management District, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Department of Transportation, and Polk County Health Department.
What are the Building Permit Fees?
Fees are based on the value of construction and must be paid at the time of permit pickup. Any additional related fees are collected at the same time.
How is a Building Permit initiated and processed?
Anyone interested in obtaining a Building Permit would meet with the Development Services Department’s Building Division to discuss the procedures and requirements outlined in the Florida Building Code 2020, 2017 NEC, and the Haines City Land Development Regulations.
Building Permits are broken into two classifications, commercial or residential:
1. Commercial Building Permit Process:
After the Technical Review Board (TRB) has approved the site review, an application along with three complete sets of plans would be submitted. These sets must include a site plan, building plans, including electrical, mechanical, plumbing, truss engineering drawings, energy calculations, landscape and irrigation plans. After plans are reviewed and stamped, one final copy is kept in the Building Official’s office, and two copies are given to the contractor; one for their job site and one for their records.
2. Residential Building Permit Process:
An application is submitted along with two complete sets of plans, including a plot plan, a building plan with electrical, plumbing, mechanical, truss engineering, energy calculations, and two residential landscape plans.
After plans are reviewed and stamped, one final copy is kept in the Building Official’s office, and one is given to the contractor for the inspector to use at the job site.
Florida law allows municipalities 30 days to process, review and release residential building plans and 120 days to process, review, and release commercial building plans.
To obtain a comprehensive guide for Building Permits contact the Development Services Department, Building Division at 863-419-3229. Also available on the City’s website www.hainescity.com under Departments - Development Services/Building Division tab.
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Omar DeJesus, CPA, CGFO
Finance Director
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What is an ad valorem tax? In Latin, ad valorem means “according to the value”. Taxes based upon the value of the property are commonly referred to as “property taxes”.
What is the millage rate? The millage rate is the amount of property tax charged per $1,000 of taxable property value. Haines City’s Millage proposed millage for the 2023 tax bill is 7.5895 and has not changed since 2017.
What is a TRIM notice? TRIM is an acronym for the Truth In Millage Law, passed in 1980 by the Florida State Legislature. It was designed to keep the public informed about the taxes proposed by local taxing authorities. All property owners should receive a TRIM notice each August.
Haines City Residents will also see other taxing authorities listed on the TRIM notice with each displaying their own millage rate separate from the City of Haines City such as Polk County BOCC, Polk County School Board, and South Florida Water Management District.
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How do I calculate my property taxes? The taxes due on a property are calculated by multiplying the Adjusted Taxable Value of the property by the millage rate. The taxable value is increased by the County Property Appraiser on an annual basis to reflect Fair Market Value.
For Homestead Properties, there is a 3% maximum annual increase limitation to the taxable values. All non-homestead properties have a 10% maximum annual increase limitation.
For example, the property taxes on a home with a homestead exemption of $50,000 and a tax rate of 7.5895 mills can be calculated in this manner:
Determine the adjusted taxable value of the property:
Assessed Value of Home: $170,197
Less Homestead Exemption: - $ 50,000
Adjusted Taxable Value: $120,197
Divide the taxable value by 1,000 and multiply by the millage rate:
(100,000/1,000) X 7.5895 = $758.95
*This calculation is only for the City Portion. To get your full bill, this calculation has to be conducted at each entities millage rate.
**Property Owners may see taxes increase although the tax rates remain the same (7.5895) due to increased adjusted tax values.
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Haines City 2023 Taxable Values and Revenues The City’s overall taxable values are expected to increase by 27.30% to a total city-wide tax value base of $2,811,517,880. Of this amount 50% of the increase is attributed to new construction. At the proposed millage rate of 7.5895 the City revenues are projected to be $21,338,015. This is a $4,576,337 increase over last year’s revenues.
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Thomas Murphy, Jr.
Fire Chief
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Chandra Hall, SHRM-CP
Human Resources Director
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Come Work With Your City! | |
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If you are looking for a great place to work with excellent benefits and you have the skills needed for one of our openings you should apply.
Some of our benefits include: fully paid health and dental insurance, tuition reimbursement, paid sick and vacation, flexible work schedules, wellness programs, free gym memberships, monetary incentive programs for degrees, training and certifications, employer contribution to a defined contribution retirement plan, computer loan programs, longevity program, sick buy-back program and more. Through hard work and commitment to excellence we are able to turn our resources into opportunities for our community members as well as create a City where our families are proud to call home.
All interested applicants are required to submit an employment application, unless otherwise instructed on the City's website position announcement page.
Positions are considered "Open Until Filled," unless otherwise denoted. Corresponding pay grade ranges are included to represent earning potential and shall not be an assumption of potential starting wage, which will most likely be at the minimum rate of pay. If a conditional offer of employment is made, please note everything included during the application process will be verified.
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Greg Goreck
Chief of Police
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James Keene
Public Services Administrator
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Important Reminder: Flushing anything down your toilet other than toilet paper can and will cause equipment failure at our lift stations resulting in sewer backup, interruption in service and costly repairs. Just because the label says it is “flushable” does not mean we should flush it. | |
Public Infrastructure office contact number is 863-421-3777
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Below are the contact numbers for each division should an issue arise
(After Hours Contact Numbers):
TRANSPORTATION DIVISION:
(Street drainage, spills, general road problems and traffic signal problems)
Cell Phone # (863) 837-0847
WASTEWATER PLANT:
(Wastewater plant issues)
Cell Phone # (863) 528-1115
(863) 287-5754 Back-Up
WATER PLANTS:
(Water plants issues)
Cell Phone # (863) 557-2621
· Customers who need their water turned on or off for leaks
· Water main breaks, wastewater overflows and manholes/sewer backups
· Lift stations and pump & motor issues
Cell Phone # (863) 837-0817
(863) 837-8452 Back-Up
Reporting a pothole or streetlight issues is as simple as a call to the
Public Works Department 863-421-3777.
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Right-of-Way Permits and Road Closures Permits
Right-of Way Permits
The application can be found on the Haines City’s Website. Once the application is completed, the approval is required to be obtained through the Public Works Department.
Road Closures Permits
Effective now, Road Closures Permits will need to be obtained through the Public Works Department. Once the application is completed, approval will be received from the Public Works Department.
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Brian Ross
Technology Management Director
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New Top-Level Domain Scams
Cyber criminals are always on the lookout for new ways to scam people out of their money or identities. Other cyber crimes are just meant to be destructive in nature. A recent scam has been discovered and brought to light: the .ZIP and .MOV Top-Level Domains (TLDs).
A TLD is the part of a web address that comes after the last dot. For example, in the web address " www.example.com," the TLD is ".com." TLDs are used to categorize and organize websites on the internet. Other examples of TLDs are: .gov (used by government websites), .org (short for organization and commonly used by non-profits), and .net (short for network; originally intended for network-related websites, but now used by various types of websites).
Two new legitimate TLDs were released by Google this month and are indicated by ZIP and .MOV. These TLDs also share already existing file formats, .zip and .mov. Zip files (files ending in .zip) are compressed archives meant to save space for storing or transmitting larger files. Mov files (files ending in .mov) are associated with movie files (typically created by iPhones).
Cyber criminals are already using .zip domains in phishing campaigns. Two domains were registered under the names officeupdate.zip and Microsoft-office.zip. These two websites direct users to a fake Microsoft Sign In page. If an unsuspecting user enters their Microsoft credentials, the username and password are sent to the attacker and used for nefarious purposes. Microsoft accounts are used widely for Office 365, the Xbox Live gaming platform, and even logging into Windows computers. Users that fall victim to this scam could very well be locked out of their computers and files!
The .MOV TLD is also a Google-released option for new websites. Although not as popular as the .ZIP TLD, it could also be used in a phishing scam. While there hasn’t been any prevalent use of this .MOV TLD, it doesn’t mean there aren’t any out there. One example of how this could be used for nefarious purposes would be to install malware into a user’s computer by creating domains such as latestdisney.mov. People are familiar with the company that streams their movies online, so they may have their guard let down. The URL could just be another mask to steal credentials for the actual streaming site ( www.disneyplus.com) or to install a virus on the computer.
If you see a link that ends in .zip or .mov and it appears to be linked to a large company, first research whether the domain actually belongs to that company before clicking on the link. In fact, you shouldn’t visit any website or download any file sent by someone you do not trust, regardless of whether the .zip or .mov TLDs are involved. Using an antivirus app and a healthy dose of skepticism should go a long way in mitigating the myriad threats online — including from hackers making use of these new domains.
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ONLINE UTILITY BILL PAYMENT OPTION
As we all navigate through this pandemic, it is important to remain socially distant in doing business within Haines City. We offer citizens a convenient, socially distant method for paying their utility bill online.
To access the Utility Bill Pay portal, navigate to our website www.hainescity.com and click on the “PAY UTILITY BILL” icon below the Welcome banner. Upon arrival, enter your account number in the respective field, which is displayed on the utility bill. The default password is the number of your street address.
Once logged in, there are a few options on the left side of the page:
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Log Out will log out of your utility account and return you to the previous login page.
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Home returns you to the Account Summary page.
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Change Password allows you to change the default password to log in.
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View Transactions displays a list of all payments and cycle bill amounts. You can change what is displayed by changing the dates at the top of the page.
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Bill Analysis displays a colored pie chart of charges for the last 12 months of service.
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View Consumption displays a bar graph of your utility usage for the last three years.
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Online Payment allows you to pay on your Utility Bill.
By default, the amount due on the current utility bill displays in the Pay Amount text box. You can change this number to pay a different amount. Clicking the Go To Point And Pay Website directs you to the City’s payment processor Point and Pay. Enter all required information under the Cardholder Information section and click Continue. The Review and Submit page allows you to review all charges before you submit. Point and Pay does charge a convenience fee to use the online payment system and the fee schedule is as follows:
- $0.01-$50: $2.00
- $50.01-$100: $2.95
- $100.01 - $200: $4.95
- Each additional $100.00 increment will result in an additional $2.00 increase
After reviewing the charges, review the Terms and Conditions and then check the I Agree to Terms and Conditions check box. Finally, click Submit Payment to begin processing. Once you reach the Confirmation and Receipt page, print this for your records.
If you have any questions regarding Online Utility Bill Pay, or you need your account password reset, call 863-421-3600 and someone will be able to assist you.
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Mayor H.L. "Roy" Tyler
City Commission Seat #4
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Vice Mayor Omar Arroyo
City Commission Seat #2
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Commissioner Anne Huffman
City Commission Seat #5
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Commissioner Vernel Smith
City Commission Seat #1
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Commissioner Morris L. West
City Commission Seat #3
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City Commission Involvement in the Community | |
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City Commissioner Morris West was sworn in Thursday, September 14th as the President of the Ridge League of Cities for the 2023-24 year. The Ridge League of Cities serves as a resource that helps city staff and elected leaders serve their cities well and speak with one voice. The Florida League of Cities, Inc. President Greg Ross was the keynote speaker.
Congratulations Commissioner West!
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Commissioner West was also awarded the prestigious Nettie Draughon Award Thursday night. This annual award is named in memory of former Ridge League of Cities Executive Director Nettie Draughon who worked in municipal government for 57 years, rising from secretary to city manager for the City of Plant City. Nettie served as a reminder of what an honorable career public service can be.
Congratulations Commissioner West on this prestigious award and high distinction!
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Mayor Roy Tyler gave a civics lesson this morning to students from New Direction Academy. Students took turns sitting in the mayor’s seat on the dais and took questions from his young constituents.
“The only way you can fix anything is to participate,” Mayor Tyler said.
Each student received a personalized letter from the Mayor and was treated to milk and cookies afterward.
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Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation
at City Commission Meetings
Led by our Veterans or Commissioners
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August 17, 2023
City Commission Meeting
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Invocation
Was led by Mayor H.L. "Roy" Tyler
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Pledge of Allegiance
Was led by Mayor H.L. "Roy" Tyler
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September 7, 2023
City Commission Meeting
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Invocation
Was led by Pastor Barry Parsons
Landmark Baptist Church
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Pledge of Allegiance
Was led by Mayor H.L. "Roy" Tyler
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City Commission Meetings
Are held every first and third Thursday of the month at 7:00 p.m.
For questions or more information,
please call the City Clerk's Office at (863) 421-9921.
Mark Your Calendars for the following
City Commission Meetings*
Thursday, September 21, 2023 - 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, October 5, 2023 - 7:00 p.m.
(The meetings will be held in the City Commission Chambers)
*Subject to change by order of the City Commission
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City of Haines City| 863-421-3600 | www.HainesCity.com | | | | |
